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Design 101
Understanding Dining Room Table Dimensions
November 07, 2024
The dining table is a major focal point of any home. It's where family and friends congregate to share stories, laugh, and enjoy home-cooked meals. Choosing the right size and shape for your dining table will set the perfect mood for these gatherings and keep your guests comfortable. Properly spaced furniture also allows your dining room to flow and function flawlessly.
Read on to learn more about dining room table dimensions and considerations to help you find the perfect piece for your home.
How To Measure for a Dining Room Table
Dining room table dimensions vary between manufacturers, so don't assume a piece will fit into your space. Take careful measurements before purchasing to avoid getting a table that's too large or small.
Start by measuring the width and length of your dining area. Subtract 3 feet from each side to leave space between the table and walls for chairs and foot traffic. That way, guests can easily maneuver in and out of their spots while carrying drinks and dishes.
Say, for instance, your dining room measures 14 x 16 feet. The maximum size for your dining table is (14 - 3) x (16 - 3) = 11 x 13 feet.
Number of guests is another factor to consider when measuring your space for a dining room table. As a rule of thumb, you should leave at least 23 inches between diners along each side of a rectangular table. This spacing will keep everyone comfortable and prevent awkward elbow bumps.
Suppose you plan to seat eight people around a rectangular dining table. Two people can sit at each end of the table, and three can sit along the sides. To accommodate everyone, the table should be at least 3 x 23 inches = 69 inches long.
What Are the Dimensions of a Standard Dining Room Table?
When you’re shopping for a dining room table, size matters. A tiny table can limit your seating options — potentially forcing you to banish the kids to the kitchen — while an oversized one could make your space feel cramped or, worse, not fit at all.
Here are a few standard dining table dimensions to consider:
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36” : Maybe you live in a small apartment or just don’t like entertaining — we totally get it! A 36” round table has room for two or three dining chairs and can tuck it in a breakfast nook or a kitchen corner.
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36” x 60” : This classic rectangular shape works great if you have a small dining room. It can seat four to six people comfortably, making it perfect for intimate dinners or brunch with friends.
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40” x 72” : A medium-sized rectangular table fits six chairs with plenty of elbow room. Load it up with dishes for Christmas dinner or use it to build a tricky thousand-piece puzzle.
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40” x 90” : Do you love hosting big gatherings? You need a spacious dining table to accommodate all your loved ones. A generous 40” x 90” table easily fits eight chairs, with plenty of room for a showy centerpiece and dishes.
Now that we know the standard dining table dimensions, let's break out dining table dimensions by table shape.
Standard Rectangular Dining Table Dimensions
Rectangular dining tables offer ample room for dishes, centerpieces, and place settings. They work well for long or narrow rooms that can accommodate their length.
Here are the standard dining table dimensions for this shape:
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36 x 48 inches = 4 Seats
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36 x 60 inches = 4 to 6 Seats
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40 x 78 inches = 6 to 8 Seats
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40 x 108 inches = 10 Seats
Some rectangular tables have leaves that you can add to extend their length and fit more chairs. These extensions let you accommodate extra guests for holiday dinners, parties, and other special occasions.
Square Dining Room Table Dimensions
Square dining tables are compact and allow guests to interact with each other comfortably. They are perfect for apartment dining rooms, breakfast nooks, and other small spaces.
Here are the most popular square dining table dimensions:
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36 x 36 inches = 4 Seats
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48 x 48 inches = 4 to 6 Seats
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60 x 60 inches = 8 Seats
Circular Dining Room Table Dimensions
Circular dining tables allow all diners to face each other, creating more intimate dining experiences. They also take up less space than rectangular tables and don't have sharp, hip-bruising corners.
Here are a few common dimensions for circle tables:
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36 to 44 inch diameter = 4 Seats
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48 to 59 inch diameter = 6 Seats
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60 to 72 inch diameter = 8 Seats
Planning Ahead
Shopping for a new dining table doesn't have to feel stressful. Follow these strategies to find your ideal match:
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Always check the dimensions. If you shop for dining room tables in person, keep a tape measure on hand so you can quickly calculate the dimensions. If you browse tables online, you can typically find this information in the product description.
Learn more•
Choose the right-sized chairs. Many dining tables come with matching chairs, but you can also shop for this furniture separately. Most adults prefer to have at least 12 inches of space between the seat and the tabletop. Additionally, the backs of the dining chairs should be taller than the height of the table to appear proportional.
Shop now•
Mix and match dining chairs. Some people prefer a traditional matching dining set, but others embrace an eclectic approach. Consider mixing chairs with different patterns, colors, and materials. For example, you can combine sleek metal chairs with a grainy wooden bench. You could also alternate patterned and solid-colored chairs for visual interest. These strategies will make your dining room feel more personalized and memorable.
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Pick a complementary finish. Once you've chosen the perfect size, it's time to pick the color and material of the table. Look for a table that complements your wall colors and other elements of the room. For instance, you can pair a black wooden table with cream walls for a monochromatic look.
Learn moreFind the Perfect Dining Table
Choose the right size and shape for your dining table to create the ideal dining experience. Always measure your space beforehand, and consider how your guests will navigate the room once you've added a table and chairs.
Once you've calculated the perfect dimensions, explore dining room tables to find the right fit.
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